Gerard Gravel named Citizen of the Year in Rochester

SOUTH BERWICK, Maine — Gerard Gravel received a genuine shock when he was named Rochester's Citizen of the Year on Saturday night.

“Never in my wildest dreams would I think I would have qualified for such a prestigious award,” Gravel said Saturday night. “Thank you again for what will surely be a night to remember.”

The award ceremony took place at The Red Barn at the Links at Outlook Golf Course in South Berwick, Maine and awarded Citizen of the Year, Business Leader of the Year and the Spirit of Rochester, N.H., award.

The Citizen of the Year award is presented to an individual who has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to the community and has made significant contributions to the vibrancy and strength of the greater Rochester area and was awarded to Gerard Gravel who was surprised to hear his name called after being chosen.

Gravel was said by the Chamber to be very devoted to Rochester and has become active in a number of organizations where he provided leadership and offered his expertise. Among those organizations Gravel has committed his time are The Gafney Home, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks Rochester Lodge, Holy rosary Credit Union and Frisbie Memorial Hospital.

The Business Leader of the Year award is the Chamber's most prestigious business award celebrating excellence in business leadership and community involvement, according to Chamber President Laura Ring.

The award recognizes a Chamber member who has demonstrated leadership and provides support for the betterment of the business community and the greater Rochester area and was awarded to Norm Vetter of Norman Vetter Foundations.

Vetter was recognized for various contributions including being a board member and contributor to There's No Place Like Home — a nonprofit organization that helps flood victims both in New Hampshire and Louisiana. Vetter additionally has been the coordinator between local school building trades, community resource agencies and the flood victims and helped in building 8 homes in the past several years.

He is a member of the Community Collaborative for Homeless Children and Youth in Rochester and a former School Board member of St. Thomas Aquinas High School.

“It's an honor, I have my wife and kids to thank for this one. I don't how they pulled this one off,” Vetter said with a wide smile.

The Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce established a special award, this year only, to honor an individual who demonstrates excellence within the community. The recipient of this award is, “an outstanding citizen, whose leadership and contributions has positively impacted the economic and cultural growth of Rochester.”

The spirit of Rochester was awarded to Karen Pollard, Deputy City Manager and Director of Community Development in the Lilac City.

According to the Chamber, since coming to Rochester, Pollard furthered her education in Economic Development and obtained the prestigious designation of Certified Economic Developer from the International Economic Development Council, a rigorous educational endeavor. She is one of only three Economic Development professionals in New Hampshire to achieve this designation.

Rochester officials were there to see the nominees recognized including: Rochester Mayor Thomas Jean and his wife Jennifer; Rochester City Manager Dan Fitzpatrick and his wife Jackie; Rochester Police Chief Michael Allen and his wife Dina; Commissioner of the Pease Development Authority Art Nickless and his wife Jerry; and Rochester Main Street Executive Director Michael Provost.

Catalina Celetano was presented a plaque for her commitment as Community Relations Manager for Public Service of New Hampshire.

The night kicked off with live musical entertainment by Straight Lace, and was well attended as every table was filled.

A grand raffle prize sponsored by Profile Bank awarded one lucky contestant with $1,500. Bank of New Hampshire donated four vouchers for any show at Meadowbrook U.S. Cellular Pavilion, and The Links at Outlook Golf Course donated a round of golf for four.

Rochester Chamber of Commerce President, Laura Ring thanked all who made the evening possible and recognize those who are truly dedicated to serving the Rochester community.

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